Nyingma Monlham

THE NYINGMA MONLAM CHENMO

ANNUAL CONGREGATION FOR WORLD PEACE

NYINGMA –ANCIENT TRADITION OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM- AN OVERVIEW:

We, with profound respect and deep reverence, bow and take shelter at the holy lotus feet of the glorious Guru Padmasambhava, embodiment of the Buddhas of all the ten directions, past, present and future. We seek the blessings for all the beings to be his devoted disciples for their life until they attain enlightenment. As said by H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche that though there have been many great divine personalities in the sacred lands of India and Tibet, none can be compared as embodiments of compassion and blessings as emanate from Guru Padmasambhava.

The Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism is ancient. It was established in Tibet, the land of snow, by Guru Padmasambhava, Khenpo Bodhisattva and the Dharma King Trisong Deutsen, who are considered to be the Great Three and also known as the glorious Regents of Buddha Shakyamuni. In their presence the Enlightened Masters and Lotsawas (translators), who were none another than the emanations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, established the Buddha Dharma in the traditions of the Sutrayana and Mantrayana in Tibet, which formed the well laid foundation of Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. They caused it spread with deep roots throughout the snowy land and over all these years spread in all the nooks and corners of the world.

During this era of prolific dharmic activity of the Khen-Lop-Cho (Bodhisatva-Guru Padmasambhava- King Trisong Deutsen) the Tripitaka Sutras and the Mantrayana Tantric treatises along with their various commentaries were translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan language in entirety. This collection is considered to be one of the most valuable treasures for the humanity.

VISION
NYINGMA MONLAM CHENMO- A VISION:

Many enlightened and revered Gurus, Yogis, Tulkus, Khenpos joined together and assembled at the holy place of Bodhgaya during the first ten days of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar in the Year 1989 to devote at the sacred Vajrasana, Bodhi Tree and the Khen-lop-cho with monks, nuns, ngakpas, lay people and western Buddhists. It was a unique occasion in modern history of Nyingma Tradition.

The vision of Nyingma Monlam Chenmo is the result of magnificient and noble thought of and gesture of generosity by Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche.

The effect of world torn apart by warfare, tyranny, oppression and genocide- the blood-soaked testament of negatives, prejudice, greed and ignorance, which have shattered humanity, resulting in denial of their rights and defaming their values had deeply adverse impact on the Buddha Dharma in general and the living tradition of the Nyingma in particular.

Ever since 1989 Nyingma Monlam Chenmo is held at the holy place of Bodhgaya during the first ten days of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar every year as decided by the most revered Gurus of Nyingma Tradition. The 10th day is observed as Guru Padmasambhava day and Tsog (Prasad or Symbolic Meal) is offered with devotion to Guru Padmasambhava which witnesses the conclusion of the annual Monlam.

The 18th day of the 12th month is equally a significant day in the Nyingma tradition, which is observed as the Anniversary of the highly knowledged Longchen Rabjampa (1308-1363), one of the greatest revealers of Tantric Treatises (Tertons) in the history of the Nyingmapa. Its observance every year by Nyingma followers is being continually supported by the kind generosity of Tarthang Tulku.

Thus the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo held during the twelfth month of the Tibetan calender has become an auspecious occasion for the Nyingma followers to pray for the world peace and dedicate those days to the founders of their tradition viz., Bodhisatva, Guru Padmasambhava and Trisong Deutsen (Kunkhyen Longchenpa) in Bodhgaya.

The necessity to pray for World Peace was thus seen as the cause for a universal assembly which resultantly crystallized in the form of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo to engender and to cultivate a sense of inner spiritual experience amongst human being in general and Nyingma followers in particular, which is seen as an absolute necessity to strengthen human values and to keep the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, in its purest form, in perpetuity in future.

At present, the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo provides the sole occasion for members of the diverse lineages of the Nyingma Tradition to congregate. It has assumed vital significance in bringing greater understanding and co-operation among one and all. It is fervently hoped that the Monlam (ceremony for world peace) will foster closer ties and greater unity which would ensure greater harmony in the years to come.

Thus the vision of Nyingma Monlam Chenmo is to pray for World Peace in Bodhgaya to ensure the divine values propagated by our founders Khen-Lop-Cho-Sum will continue to guide and help all generations in the years to come.